A new book in the Springer series ”Forschung und Praxis an der FHWien der WKW” (Research and Practice at FHWien der WKW) highlights the advantages and challenges of the transition to reusable packaging in parcel logistics and summarizes the results of the “ReKEP” research project.
In the ReKEP project, funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, the Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS) participated in investigating reusable transport containers as an affordable and, above all, more environmentally friendly alternative to the widely used (single-use) cardboard packaging for effective use in the CEP (Courier, Express, Parcel) industry. In particular, the project focused on the potential for digitalization and automation of delivery processes and services in order to improve circular economy systems based on reuse in line with all three dimensions of sustainability – economic, ecological, and social.
Reuse systems as a sustainable alternative to single-use packaging
Editors Gerald Schneikart and Walter Mayrhofer from the IDS, together with Peter Entenfellner and Andreas Holzleithner from the logistics start-up BOOXit, analyze the challenges and opportunities of the circular economy in logistics together with other authors from the project partners AIT, FHWien der WKW und FH OÖ. They highlight the principle of reuse as a sustainable alternative to single-use packaging.
Considering new EU directives, the book examines the feasibility of reuse in circular economy systems and offers practical strategies for their successful implementation. The focus is on key topics such as waste prevention, decarbonization and digital technologies.
Practical solutions for the transition from single-use to reusable packaging systems
The chapters provide insight into important trends that make reusable packaging systems more attractive, discuss the EU Packaging Regulation 2024 and its implications, and examine the acceptance of reusable packaging in e-commerce based on surveys. In addition, data on ecological, economic, and social aspects as well as challenges and costs are analyzed and discussed. As an innovative example of a reusable packaging system, the BOOXit technology is presented.
The book addresses researchers, experts and managers in the fields of logistics and packaging. It offers scientific insights and practical solutions for the transition from single-use to reusable packaging systems. Interested readers from the fields of logistics, environmental sciences, and business management will also benefit from the presented analyses and practical examples, which promote sustainable practices in logistics.
>> To the book (in German) on springer.com
This is already the second “Springer publication” following the chapter “Replacing Cardboard-Based Boxes with a Circular Economy Solution in Austria: A Framework for Stakeholder Assessment and Impact Evaluation of Social, Ecological, and Economic Factors” by Nils Kruse, Melanie Rainer, Gerald Schneikart and Walter Mayrhofer, which was published in January in the book “Circular Economy in Sustainable Supply Chains”.